Twin brothers back in Johannesburg court on terrorism charges

Two brothers accused of contravening the Terrorism Act and plotting to blow up the US Embassy and Jewish institutions in South Africa on behalf of terror group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), are expected to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

Twins Brandon-Lee Thulsie and Tony-Lee Thulsie were arrested along with two others on July 10, by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) during a operation in Newclare and Azaadville. The four had reportedly planned to go to Syria to join ISIL.

The Thulsie brothers both face three counts relating to engaging in acts of terrorism.

The provisional charge sheet indicates the twins had, during the period between October 2015 and and 8 July 2016, conspired to commit terrorist activities in Johannesburg.

The State alleges the brothers “unlawfully and intentionally conspired to commit the crime of terrorism”, planning to cause explosions at a mission of the United States of America and Jewish institutions located with South Africa.

“All in order to cause to endanger life, cause death and serious bodily harm and the destruction or substantial damage to such institutions, and in the pursuance of such conspiracy incite or spread feelings of terror in the civilian population of South Africa and in particular the US and the Jewish sector thereof and to intimidate the government of the United States of America.”

The conspiracy and incitement were linked the “political, religious or ideological motives” of the ISIL, read the charges.

Another charge related to the alleged plan by the brothers to leave for Syria and join ISIL, “to engage in terrorist activity by conspiring to leave South Africa in order to join ISIL in Syria”.

The brothers were also charged with contravening the constitutional democracy of the country by attempting to commit acts associated with terrorist activities.

The case was initially postponed to allow for further investigations. The 23-year-old twins, who remain in custody are expected to ask the court for bail.